Prime Minister David Cameron's comments give hope for RAF Leuchars' future
Prime Minister David Cameron has raised hopes RAF Leuchars will be spared closure after declaring himself "impressed" by the "remarkable" level of support for the base.
Mr Cameron also said he was well aware of the "long-standing association" between the base and the local community.
With a decision on the future of the base expected some time this month, his warm words have provided a huge boost to those campaigning for the future of RAF Leuchars.
The prime minister spoke of his admiration for the base in a letter to North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell.
Referring to an original communication from Sir Menzies outlining the rationale behind retention of RAF Leuchars, Mr Cameron said, "I found your letter a succinct summary of the case.
"These issues are being addressed by the Ministry of Defence, but it is not difficult to appreciate why the future of the base is a matter of real concern to you and your constituents.
"The association between Fife and RAF Leuchars is a long-standing one, and the people of Fife have supported the service people and their families based there over the course of many years.
"I know this support continues to be appreciated by all who are based there now."
Mr Cameron confirmed a final decision would be announced before the parliament's summer recess, which begins on July 19.
"We hope that the basing review will conclude as swiftly as possible, and I appreciate the patience of our armed forces, civilian personnel and local communities as this is under way," he continued.
Imperative
"It is imperative that we reach the right conclusions and the best possible outcome for the UK's defence is reached.
"There is a considerable amount of hard work going on across government on this subject, and it is my intention that decisions should be announced before the summer recess at the latest."
Mr Cameron assured Sir Menzies that arguments to retain the base were being "taken into account."
"I am impressed by the remarkable level of support and affection felt by the local community toward the RAF in Fife," he added.
Sir Menzies welcomed the response, calling it "reassuring."
"The prime minister clearly understands the points raised and also appreciates the level of concern surrounding the future of the base," he told The Courier.
"The defence case for the base's retention is overwhelming and I have yet to hear any argument to the contrary."
Sir Menzies is pleased the arguments he has taken "right to the heart of government" are being weighed up so seriously.
"RAF Leuchars has executed its quick reaction alert responsibilities in an exemplary manner and is uniquely located to deter and defend against terrorist threats to tier one risk installations," Sir Menzies said.
"Nearly £50 million has been spent on upgrading it to a first class Eurofighter Typhoon operating base and it contributes more than £60 million a year into the local economy.
"Its loss would be detrimental to the defence of the UK and to the many communities with which it is inter-woven. This is the message I have taken right to the heart of government on many occasions."
The positive message from the prime minister comes just a day after The Courier revealed the Ministry of Defence had recently pumped £3 million into RAF Leuchars — prompting campaigners to suggest the "pendulum is swinging" in favour of the base.
Lossiemouth in Moray and Marham in Norfolk are the other RAF bases under threat as a result of swingeing cuts to the UK defence budget.
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